System and method of processing produce

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of processing produce are provided. A sizing unit can convey the produce in a first direction, and can release the produce onto a receiving unit, which can convey the produce in a second direction. The receiving unit can include a trough to receive the produce subsequent to release from the sizing unit. A supplemental conveyor unit can guide the produce through at least one channel to convey the produce from the receiving unit to at least one conveyor unit, which can convey the produce into contact with at least one other conveyor unit to separate a first portion of the produce from a second portion of the produce.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part under 35U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/153,577 filed on Jan.13, 2014 and titled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROCESSING PRODUCE, whichclaims priority as a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/758,276 filed on Feb. 4, 2013 and titled“SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DE-STEMMING PRODUCE”, each of which is hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Agricultural products can be harvested manually or with the aid ofharvesting machines. When agricultural products are harvested from afield, the agricultural products can be processed and distributed toconsumers for consumption.

SUMMARY

At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus for processing produce.The apparatus can include a receiving unit. The receiving unit canreceive an item of produce and can convey the item of produce. Theapparatus can include a supplemental conveyor unit having a firstchannel wall and a second channel wall defining a channel between an endportion of the receiving unit and a top surface of a first conveyorunit. The channel can receive the item of produce from the receivingunit and can deposit at least part of the item of produce on the topsurface of the first conveyor unit. The apparatus can include the firstconveyor unit configured to convey the item of produce toward at leastone additional conveyor unit. The apparatus can include the firstconveyor unit and the at least one additional conveyor unit configuredto apply at least part of a separation force to the item of produce toseparate a first portion of the item of produce from a second portion ofthe item of produce.

At least one aspect is directed to a system of processing produce. Thesystem can include a receiving unit that receives an item of produce andconveys the item of produce. The system can include a supplementalconveyor unit having a first channel wall and a second channel walldefining a channel between an end portion of the receiving unit and atop surface of a first conveyor unit. The channel can receive the itemof produce from the receiving unit and can deposit at least part of theitem of produce on the top surface of the first conveyor unit. The firstconveyor unit can convey the item of produce toward at least oneadditional conveyor unit. The first conveyor unit and the at least oneadditional conveyor unit apply at least part of a separation force tothe item of produce to separate a first portion of the item of producefrom a second portion of the item of produce.

At least one aspect is directed to a method of processing produce. Themethod can include receiving an item of produce by a receiving unit, andconveying the item of produce in a first direction on a top surface ofthe receiving unit. The method can include receiving the item of producein a channel defined by a first channel wall of a supplemental conveyorunit and a second channel wall of the supplemental conveyor unit. Themethod can include depositing, via the channel, the item of produce intoa first conveyor unit that conveys the item of produce in a seconddirection to separate a first portion of the item of produce from asecond portion of the item of produce by generating a separation forcebetween the first portion of the item of produce and the second portionof the item of produce.

At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus for processing producehaving a first portion and a second portion. The apparatus can include asizing unit having a first roller and a second roller. The sizing unitcan convey the produce in a first direction, and can release the producevertically along a longitudinal axis of the produce between the firstroller and the second roller during conveyance of the produce in thefirst direction. The apparatus can include a receiving unit having aproduce receptacle. The receiving unit can receive the produce, in theproduce receptacle, from the sizing unit and can convey the produce inthe produce receptacle in a second direction. The second direction canbe perpendicular (e.g., +/−10 degrees) to the first direction. Theproduce receptacle can have a cavity configured to receive the producesubsequent to release from the sizing unit with the first portion of theproduce at least partially disposed in the cavity and with the secondportion of the produce at least partially protruding from the cavity.The apparatus can include a first conveyor unit that can receive thefirst portion of the produce from the produce receptacle, and that canconvey the produce in a third direction to separate the first portion ofthe produce from the second portion of the produce.

At least one aspect is directed to a system of processing produce. Thesystem can include a sizing unit that can release the produce verticallyalong a longitudinal axis of the produce during conveyance of theproduce in a first direction. The system can include a receiving unithaving a first row of a first plurality of produce receptacles and asecond row of a second plurality of produce receptacles in parallel withthe first row. Each of the first row and the second row can be alignedalong at least one of a lateral axis of the receiving unit and alongitudinal axis of the sizing unit. The receiving unit can convey theproduce in a second direction. Each of the first plurality of producereceptacles and the second plurality of produce receptacles can receivea single item of produce. The system can include at least one conveyorunit that can receive the produce from the receiving unit and to conveythe produce in a third direction.

At least one aspect is directed to a method of processing produce. Themethod can convey an item of produce in a first direction, and canrelease the item of produce in a vertical position during conveyance ofthe item of produce in the first direction. The method can receive theitem of produce in a produce receptacle of a receiving unit duringconveyance of the produce receptacle in a second direction with theproduce receptacle oriented in a first position. The method can tip theproduce receptacle from the first position to a second position to expelthe item of produce from the produce receptacle onto at least oneconveyor unit. The method can align the item of produce for engagementwith at least one additional conveyor unit. The method can generate aseparation force on the item of produce using the at least one conveyorunit and the at least one additional conveyor unit to at least partiallyseparate a first portion of the item of produce from a second portion ofthe item of produce.

At least one aspect is directed to a de-stemming apparatus forde-stemming produce. The produce can have a pod, a stem, and a calyx.The de-stemming apparatus can include a first conveyor unit having a topsurface that can convey the pod, and a second conveyor unit having afirst portion proximate to the first conveyor unit and can have a secondportion disposed at an angle of greater than zero and less than 60degrees relative to the first conveyor unit. The de-stemming apparatuscan include a third conveyor unit that can engage the pod between thetop surface of the first conveyor unit and a bottom surface of the thirdconveyor unit. The de-stemming apparatus can include a fourth conveyorunit that can engage the stem between a top surface of the secondconveyor unit and a bottom surface of the fourth conveyor unit. Thede-stemming apparatus can include at least one driving unit that candrive at least one of the first conveyor unit, the second conveyor unit,the third conveyor unit, and the fourth conveyor unit to convey theproduce from a first point of the de-stemming apparatus to a secondpoint of the de-stemming apparatus. The at least one driving unit cangenerate a separation force between the pod and the stem that separatesat least a portion of the stem and at least a portion of the calyx fromthe pod during conveyance of the produce between the first point and thesecond point.

At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus for processing an itemof produce having a first portion and a second portion attached to thefirst portion. The apparatus can include at least one first conveyorunit that can convey the first portion of the item of produce in a firstlinear direction. The apparatus can include at least one second conveyorunit that can convey the second portion of the item of produce in asecond linear direction that differs from the first linear direction bybetween 0.5 and 30 degrees to generate a separation force between thefirst portion of the item of produce and the second portion of the itemof produce that separates the first portion from the second portion.

At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus for processing produce.The apparatus can include means for conveying produce having a pod and astem from a first point to a second point at a constant speed with thepod fixed in a first trajectory and the stem fixed in a secondtrajectory that deviates from the first trajectory by an angle greaterthan zero and less than 45 degrees to generate a separation forcebetween the pod and the stem that separates at least a portion of thestem from the pod during conveyance from the first point through thesecond point.

At least one aspect is directed to a method of processing produce. Themethod can convey an item of produce having a pod and a stem through ade-stemming apparatus at a constant speed from a first point to a secondpoint with the pod fixed in a first trajectory and the stem fixed in asecond trajectory that deviates from the first trajectory by an anglegreater than zero and less than 45 degrees. The method can generate aseparation force between the stem and the pod that separates at least aportion of the stem from the pod between the first point and the secondpoint.

These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detailbelow. The foregoing information and the following detailed descriptioninclude illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations,and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature andcharacter of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawingsprovide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspectsand implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthis specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Likereference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate likeelements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled inevery drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration depicting one example of an item of produce,according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view depicting one example of a de-stemmingapparatus, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view depicting one example of a de-stemmingapparatus, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting one example of a de-stemmingapparatus, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting one example of a de-stemmingapparatus, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view depicting one example of a de-stemmingapparatus, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view depicting one example of a de-stemmingapparatus, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 8 is an illustration depicting one example of an item of produce,according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of processing produce,according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of processing produce,according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view depicting one example of an apparatus forprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation; and

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of processing produce,according to an illustrative implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systemsfor processing produce. The various concepts introduced above anddiscussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerousways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular mannerof implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applicationsare provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

Agricultural products, e.g., produce such as fruits or vegetables, canbe harvested from farms. The produce can be harvested or picked byfarmers manually, with the use of harvesting machines, or usingcombinations thereof. When the produce is harvested, the edible portionof the produce can be picked from a plant together with additionalportions of the plant that are generally not eaten. For example, apepper having a pod (generally eaten) and a stem (generally not eaten)can be removed from a pepper plant with at least a portion of the stemstill attached to the pod.

A de-stemming apparatus can separate the stem and other portions of theproduce that are generally not eaten from the body or pod of the producethat is generally eaten. For example, the de-stemming apparatus caninclude at least one conveyor unit. The produce can be placed on atleast one conveyor unit to travel from a first point to a second pointof the de-stemming apparatus. During this travel the pod of the producecan be held in a first fixed position and conveyed along a firsttrajectory, and the stem (or other portion of the produce) can be heldin a second fixed position and conveyed along a second trajectory.Divergence between the first and second trajectories (e.g., by betweenzero and 90 degrees) with the pod held in the first position and thestem held in the second position can generate a separation force duringconveyance between the first and second points of the de-stemmingapparatus. The separation force can pull at least the stem of theproduce apart from the pod of the produce and can remove at least aportion of the stem from the pod of the produce.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an item of produce 100. As illustratedin the example of FIG. 1, the produce 100 is a pepper, although theproduce 100 can be other agricultural products such as fruits,vegetables, tomatoes, lemons, citrus, olives, carrots, eggplant,cucumbers, zucchini, squash, melons, peas, beans, legumes, tubers,onions, radishes, beats, strawberries, bananas, corn, apples, pears,peaches, plums grapes, lettuce, celery, or mushrooms for example. Theproduce 100 can generally include a commercial crop or agriculturalproduct harvested for human consumption.

The produce 100 can include a first portion 105 and a second portion110. The first portion 105 can include a body or pod 115 of the produce100, and the second portion 110 can include at least a portion of thestem 120 or the calyx 125 of the produce 100, with the pod 115 generallybeing the edible portion of the produce 100. The stem 120 and the calyx125 (while perhaps being edible) are generally the portions of theproduce 100 that are not eaten. For example, the stem 120 can includethe portion of the produce 100 that at least partially supports theproduce 100 e.g., during growth or when attached to a plant, and thecalyx 125 can include sepals or other structure between the outersurface of the pod 115 and the stem 120. The calyx 125 can include a cupshaped structure that attaches the stem 120 with the pod 115 or thatcovers at least a portion of the pod 115.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a de-stemming apparatus 200. Thede-stemming apparatus 200 can separate the first portion 105 of theproduce 100 from the second portion 110 of the produce 100. For example,de-stemming apparatus 200 can process the produce 100 to separate atleast part of the stem 120 or the calyx 125 from the pod 115.

In some implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 includes at leastone conveyor unit. For example, the de-stemming apparatus 200 caninclude at least one first conveyor unit 205, at least one secondconveyor unit 210, at least one third conveyor unit 215, and at leastone fourth conveyor unit 220, each of which can include at least oneconveyor belt or cleated chain to accommodate the produce 100. Forexample, the first to fourth conveyor units 205 to 220, as well as otherconveyor units such as those of the receiving unit 1010 as depicted, forexample, in FIG. 10 and FIG. 15, among others, can include conveyorbelts having grooves, dimples, divots, recesses, smooth surfaces,cleated surfaces, chains, ridges, treads, protrusions, or frictionalelements that contact the produce 100 to convey the produce 100 (e.g.,from left to right in directions of motion 227 or 229 as depicted inFIG. 2) from a first point within range 225 to a second point withinrange 230.

In some implementations, at least one driving unit 235 is configured todrive the first to fourth conveyor units 205 to 220. The driving units235 can include at least one motor coupled to at least one shaft 240connected to at least one of the first to fourth conveyor units 205 to220. The driving units 235 can rotate the shafts 240 to drive therespective conveyor belts around the first to fourth conveyor units 205to 220.

In one implementation, a first driving unit 235 and a first shaft 240are coupled to the first conveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit210 to drive the first conveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit210. For example, the driving unit 235 and the shaft 240 can drive thefirst and second conveyor units 205 and 210 at a constant (e.g., +/−10%)speed. In some implementations, a second driving unit 235 and a secondshaft 240 are coupled to the third conveyor unit 215 and the fourthconveyor unit 220 to drive the third conveyor unit 215 and the fourthconveyor unit 220, for example at a constant (e.g., +/−10%) speed.

In one implementation, at least one driving unit 235 operates theconveyor units (e.g., first to fourth conveyor units 205 to 220) at asame speed (e.g., within +1-10%). For example, the driving unit 235 caninclude an AC or DC motor to drive the first to fourth conveyor units205 to 220 at a speed of between 0.1 and 10 feet per second. In someimplementations, one driving unit 235 can drive one or more of conveyorunits 205 to 220, or the conveyor units 205 to 220 can have dedicateddriving units 235 that may communicate with each other for speedcontrol, or that can be independently operated.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 can convey the produce 100 such as apepper along a length of the de-stemming apparatus 200. In someimplementations, the first conveyor unit 205 is disposed proximate to afirst portion 250 of the second conveyor unit 210. For example, thefirst conveyor unit 205 and the first portion 250 of the second conveyorunit 210 can be coplanar. In some implementations, a top surface 245 ofthe first conveyor unit 205 and a top surface 255 of the first portion250 of the second conveyor unit 210 are disposed proximate to each otherso that the top surface 245 and the top surface 255 are substantiallylevel. The first conveyor unit 205 and the first portion 250 of thesecond conveyor unit 210 need not be coplanar. For example, in agenerally horizontal configuration of the de-stemming apparatus, as inFIG. 2, the top surface 255 can ramp upwards, relative to the topsurface 245 along the direction of motion 225. For example, the topsurface 255 can be substantially (e.g., +/−10%) 0.25 inches above thetop surface 245 at the pivot point 270, to support the stem 120 or thesecond portion 110 of the produce 100 as the produce 100 approaches orenters the pivot point 270.

In one implementation, the produce 100 is disposed with at least aportion of the pod 115 (or first portion 105) contacting the top surface245 of the first conveyor unit 205 and at least a portion of the stem120 (or second portion 110) contacting or disposed above the top surface255 of the second conveyor unit 210. In this example, the produce 100overlaps both the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205 and theproximate top surface 255 of the first portion 250 of the secondconveyor unit 210. At least one driving unit 235 can drive the firstconveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit 210 (e.g., at a samespeed) to convey the produce 100 in the direction of motion 227 alongthe first conveyor unit 205 and the first portion 250 of the secondconveyor unit 210. In this example, the second portion 110 of theproduce 100 (e.g., the stem 120 or the calyx 125) may or may not contactthe second conveyor unit 210. For example, the second portion of 110 ofthe produce 100 may be disposed above the top surface 255 withoutcontacting the top surface 255, with the pod 115 or first portion 105resting on the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205.

A manual operator, produce feeder apparatus, or produce alignmentapparatus (not shown in FIG. 2) can provide the produce 100 for entryinto the de-stemming apparatus 200, e.g. onto the first conveyor unit205 or the second conveyor unit 210. For example, an alignment apparatusproximate to or coupled with the de-stemming apparatus 200 can include aconveyor belt system with image recognition features to align peppers orother produce for placement into the de-stemming apparatus 200 with thefirst portion 105 of the produce 100 disposed on the first conveyor unit205 and with the second portion 110 of the produce 100 disposed beyond alongitudinal edge of the first conveyor unit 205, (e.g., on or over thesecond conveyor unit 210). The produce 100 aligned in this manner can beconveyed by the de-stemming apparatus 200 in the direction of motion 227passing the first point within the range 225, which may be a location orpoint of the de-stemming apparatus 200 that includes the first portion250 of the second conveyor unit 210 or a corresponding proximate portionof the first conveyor unit 205. In one implementation, the produce 100is conveyed onto the first conveyor unit 205 or the second conveyor unit210 without an image recognition control system.

In some implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 conveys theproduce 100 in the direction of motion 227, and at least one thirdconveyor unit 215 or at least one fourth conveyor unit 220 engage atleast part of the produce 100. The third conveyor unit 215 and thefourth conveyor unit 220 can operate in a direction consistent with adirection of operation of the first conveyor unit 205 and the secondconveyor unit 210. For example, the top surface 245 of the firstconveyor unit 205 and the top surface 255 of the second conveyor unit210 can move in the direction of motion 227 or the direction of motion229, and a bottom surface 260 of the third conveyor unit 215 and abottom surface 265 of the fourth conveyor unit 220 can also move in thedirection of motion (or trajectory) 227 or the direction of motion (ortrajectory) 229, under the control of one or more driving units 235. Inthis example, from the perspective of FIG. 2, the first conveyor unit205 and the second conveyor unit 210 can operate at one speed and rotatein a clockwise direction, and the third conveyor unit 215 and the fourthconveyor unit 220 can operate at the same speed as the first and secondconveyor units 205 to 210 but can rotate in a counterclockwisedirection.

In some implementations, the bottom surface 260 of the third conveyorunit 215 and the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205 engage afirst portion 105 of the produce 100 in an opening defined between thebottom surface 260 and the top surface 245. For example, the firstconveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit 215 can convey the pod 115in the direction of motion 227. In this example, contact or compressionforce between the first conveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit215 can hold the pod 115 in a fixed position as the produce 100 isconveyed in a trajectory along a longitudinal length of the de-stemmingapparatus 100 in a space defined between the third conveyor unit 215 andthe first conveyor unit 205. In this example, the pod 115 (or otherfirst portion 105) of the produce 100 can be pinched or fixed inposition between the first conveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit215 with compression force sufficient to hold the pod 115 in a fixedposition during conveyance from the first point of the de-stemmingapparatus 200 (a location within the range of first points 225) througha second point of the de-stemming apparatus 200 (a location within therange of second points 230).

In some implementations, the second conveyor unit 210 and the fourthconveyor unit 220 can engage the second portion 110 of the produce 100.For example, the bottom surface 265 of the fourth conveyor unit 220 andthe top surface 255 of the second conveyor unit 210 can engage at leastpart of the stem 120 and compression force from the engagement appliedto the stem 120 holds the stem 120 in a fixed or substantially fixedposition during conveyance in the direction of motion 229 in a spacedefined between the bottom surface 265 and the top surface 255. In oneimplementation, the point of engagement of the pod 115 with the firstconveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit 215 occurs at a point ofthe de-stemming apparatus 200 within the range 225 or at a pivot point270. The point of engagement of the stem 120 with the second conveyorunit 210 and the fourth conveyor unit 220 can also occur at a point ofthe de-stemming apparatus 200 within the range 225 or at the pivot point270.

In some implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 engages twodifferent portions of one item of produce 100, such as a pepper. Forexample, the first conveyor unit 205 together with the third conveyorunit 215 can engage the first portion 105 (e.g., the pod 115) of theitem of produce 100, and the second conveyor unit 210 together with thefourth conveyor unit 220 can engage the second portion 110 (e.g., thestem 120) of the item of produce. In one implementation, the twoengagements occur substantially simultaneously. For example, thede-stemming apparatus 200 can engage the first portion 105 and secondportion 110 of the item of produce 100 within a distance of three inchesor less of conveyance in the direction of motion 227, direction ofmotion 229, or a combination of both directions of motion 227, 229. Insome implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 engages the pod 115(or first portion 105 of the produce 100) and the stem 120 (or thesecond portion 110) sequentially, (e.g., with the pod 115 engaged first,and with the stem subsequently engaged after three or more inches ofproduce conveyance in the direction of motion 227, direction of motion229, or a combination thereof). The directions of motion 227 and thedirection of motion 229 can be linear directions of motion.

In some implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 conveys the firstportion 105 of the item of produce 100 along a first trajectory in afirst direction, such as the direction of motion 227, and conveys thesecond portion 110 of the same item of produce 100 along a secondtrajectory in a second direction, such as the direction of motion 229.The two trajectories can differ with respect to each other by betweenzero and 90 degrees.

For example, first conveyor unit 205 can convey an item of produce 100toward the third conveyor unit 215 in the direction of motion 227. Thiscan bring the first portion 105 of the produce 100 (e.g., the pod 115)into contact with the third conveyor unit 215. The first portion 105continues conveyance into the space or opening between the top surface245 of the first conveyor unit 205 and the bottom surface 260 of thethird conveyor unit 215. This conveyance applies a compression force tothe first portion 105 of the produce 100 sufficient to hold the firstportion 105 in a fixed position in the direction of motion 227. In someimplementations, with the first portion 105 of the produce 100 held inposition between the first conveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit215, at least one driving unit 235 continues to move the conveyor units205, 215 to convey the first portion in the direction of motion 227.

Continuing with this example, the first portion 250 of the secondconveyor unit 210 can convey or travel with the same item of produce 100toward the fourth conveyor unit 220 in the direction of motion 227. Thesecond portion 110 of the produce 100 (e.g., the stem 120) is broughtinto contact with the fourth conveyor unit 220. The second portion 110continues conveyance into the space or opening between the top surface255 of the second conveyor unit 210 and the bottom surface 265 of thefourth conveyor unit 220. This conveyance applies a compression force tothe second portion 110 of the produce 100 sufficient to hold the secondportion 110 in a fixed position in the direction of motion 229.

In one implementation, the second portion 110 of the produce 100 (e.g.,the stem 120) engages the fourth conveyor unit 220 at or proximate tothe pivot point 270 between the first portion 250 and a second portion275 of the second conveyor unit 210. The pivot point 270 can define anangle from greater than zero to 90 degrees between the first portion 250of the second conveyor unit 210 (or the first conveyor unit 205) and thesecond portion 275 of the second conveyor unit 210.

Thus, different portions of the de-stemming apparatus 200 can engagedifferent portions of the produce 100 and can convey the differentportions of the produce along different trajectories that diverge fromeach other. In some implementations, the divergence creates a separationforce between the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 of theproduce 100. For example, the first conveyor unit 205 and the thirdconveyor unit 215 can engage the pod 115 in the opening between thesetwo conveyor units 205, 215 with compression force that holds the pod115 in a fixed position (e.g., without substantially puncturing,tearing, or disfiguring the pod 115) while conveying the pod 115 alongthe trajectory of the direction of motion 227. In one implementation,the size of the opening substantially matches (e.g., is the same to 10%less than) the maximum diameter of the pod 115, e.g., less than threeinches, or less than two inches for example.

The second conveyor unit 210 and the fourth conveyor unit 220 can engagethe stem 120 of the same item of produce 100 in the opening betweenthese two conveyor units 210, 220 with compression force that holds thestem 120 in a fixed position while conveying the stem along thetrajectory of the direction of motion 229. In one implementation, thesize of the opening substantially matches (e.g., is the same to 10% lessthan) the maximum diameter of the stem 120, e.g., less than 0.25 inchesfor example. In one implementation, the stem 120 (or other secondportion 110) is pinched between the second conveyor unit 210 and thefourth conveyor unit 220 so that, for example, the conveyor belts of theconveyor units 210, 220 contact each other on lateral sides of the stem120 such as before and after the area where the stem 120 is disposed, orbetween consecutive stems 120.

In some implementations, conveyance by the de-stemming apparatus 200 ofthe produce 100 along these diverging trajectories creates a separationforce that separates the first portion 105 of the item of produce 100from the second portion 110 of the same item of produce. For example,the second portion 275 of the second conveyor unit 210 can be disposedat an angle of between zero and 60 degrees relative to the firstconveyor unit 205, or relative to the first portion 250 of the secondconveyor unit 210, so that the divergence between trajectories isbetween zero and 60 degrees in this example.

The separation force generated by conveying different portions of theproduce 100 along different trajectories can pull or peel the produce100 apart between the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. Forexample, due to the separation force, the de-stemming apparatus 200 canpeel at least a portion of the stem 120 or the calyx 125 from the pod115. In this example, the stem 120 and the calyx 125 can remain attachedto each other and be separated from the pod 115, with the pod 115 intact(e.g., without cut, puncture, or rupture wounds that penetrate into theitem of produce 100 or into any internal cavities of the produce 100).In this example, it is the separation force, and not a cutting blade,water jet, air blade (e.g., concentrated air flow), or separationobstacle (e.g., a post, wall, or blocker) that separates the firstportion 105 from the second portion 110.

Once separated, the first portion 105 of the item of produce 100 canremain held in position between the first and third conveyor units 205and 215 during continued conveyance of the first portion 105 in thedirection of motion 227, and the second portion 110 of the produce 100can remain held in position between the second and fourth conveyor units210 and 220 during continued conveyance of the second portion 110 in thedirection of motion 229 until the first portion 105 and the secondportion 110 are expelled or released from the de-stemming apparatus 200,further conveyed, or deposited into one or more receptacles for furtherprocessing, transport, quality control, disposal, or recycling.

The separation of the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 ofthe item of produce 100 can occur between two points of the de-stemmingapparatus 200. For example, the first point of the de-stemming apparatus220 can be a point during which both the first portion 105 and thesecond portion 110 are conveyed in the direction of motion 227. At thispoint, the item of produce 100 includes both first portion 105 and thesecond portion 110, which are attached to each other. For example, thestem 120 and the calyx 125 are attached to the pod 115 of the pepper100. In one implementation, the first point is a point along the range225 of the de-stemming apparatus 200, a point of the de-stemmingapparatus 200 that includes the first portion 250 of the second conveyorunit 210, or a point at or proximate to the pivot point 270.

Continuing with this example, the second point of the de-stemmingapparatus 200 can be a point by which the first portion 105 and thesecond portion 110 are separated from each other. In one example, at thesecond point, the first portion 105 (e.g., the pod 115) is conveyed inthe direction of motion 227, and the second portion 110 (e.g., the stem120 and the calyx 125) are conveyed in the direction of motion 229. Theseparation of the first portion 105 from the second portion 110 canoccur or be completed at or prior to conveyance past the second point ofthe de-stemming apparatus 200. In one implementation, the second pointis a point along the range 230 of the de-stemming apparatus 200, or apoint of the de-stemming apparatus 200 that includes the second portion275 of the second conveyor unit 210. In some implementations, the firstpoint is within the range 225 and the second point is within the range230.

In some implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 includes at leastone mounting structure 280. The mounting structure 280 can include aplurality of legs, beams, tables, platforms, or support membersconnected to or configured to support at least one of the conveyor units205 to 220.

The conveyor units 205 to 220 can have various dimensions. In someimplementations, the first conveyor unit 205 is 10 inches or less inwidth, and 24 inches or longer in length. In one implementation, thesecond conveyor unit 210 is 6 inches or less in width, the first portion250 is at least 12 inches in length and the second portion 275 is alsoat least 12 inches in length. The first and second conveyor units 205,210 can also be several feet in length, or longer depending for exampleon whether or not the de-stemming apparatus 200 is fixed or portable, orconstructed for low or high volume produce processing. In someimplementations, the third conveyor unit 215 is substantially the samewidth (e.g., +1-10%) and shorter in length that the first conveyor unit205, and the fourth conveyor unit 220 is substantially the same width(e.g., +1-10%) and shorter in length that the second conveyor unit 210.In one implementation, the fourth conveyor unit 220 is less than half ofthe length of the second conveyor unit 210. The third conveyor unit 215can also be less than half the length of the first conveyor unit 205.

In some implementations, at least one bracket or connecting member 285couples the first conveyor unit 205 with the third conveyor unit 215.For example, at least one connecting member 285 can fix the thirdconveyor unit 215 in position above (from the perspective of FIG. 2) atleast a portion of the first conveyor unit 205. In this example, theconnecting members 285 position the bottom surface 260 of the thirdconveyor unit 215 parallel to the top surface 245 of the first conveyorunit 205 with an opening (e.g. for the pod 115) between the bottomsurface 260 and the top surface 245. In one implementation this openingis less than three inches.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 can also include at least one bracket orconnecting member 290 to couple the second conveyor unit 210 with thefourth conveyor unit 220. For example, at least one connecting member290 can fix the fourth conveyor unit 220 in position above (from theperspective of FIG. 2) at least a portion of the second conveyor unit210. In this example, the connecting members 290 position the bottomsurface 265 of the fourth conveyor unit 220 parallel to the top surface255 of the second portion 275 of the second conveyor unit 210 with anopening (e.g. for the stem 120) between the bottom surface 265 and thetop surface 255. In one implementation this opening is less than 0.25inches.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate examples of a de-stemming apparatus 200from a front longitudinal perspective where the produce 100 (not shownin FIGS. 3 and 4) is fed into the de-stemming apparatus 200 in theforeground, for example with the pod 115 disposed on the top surface 245of the first conveyor unit 205. In this example, the driving unit 235that is attached to the first conveyor unit 205 drives the shaft 240 torotate the first conveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit 210. Therotation can carry the produce 100 on the top surface 245 toward thethird conveyor unit 215 and the fourth conveyor unit 220.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 can include a gap 305 between the firstconveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit 210, (the first portion250 of which is visible in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4). For example,the gap 305 can include a space defined by an edge 310 of the firstconveyor unit 205 and an edge 315 of the second conveyor unit 210. Insome implementations, the edge 310 and the edge 315 are proximate edgesof their respective conveyor units that define the gap 305 as asubstantially parallel opening between the first conveyor unit 205 andthe second conveyor unit 210. The conveyor belts of the conveyor units205 to 220 can extend to, or within 0.25 inches of their respectiveedges.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, among others, the gap 305 can have a length(e.g., along the longitudinal axis of the de-stemming apparatus 200)that is substantially the same length as the length of the first portion250 of the second conveyor unit 210. The width of the gap 305 can definethe distance between the first conveyor unit 205 and the adjacent orproximate first portion 250 of the second conveyor unit 210. In someimplementations, the width of the gap 305 is between 0.25 and 3 inches.The width of the gap 305 can be less than the length of the secondportion 110 of the produce 100 that the de-stemming apparatus 200processes. In one implementation, the width of the gap 305 is less thanthe length of the stem 120 of the produce 100. In some implementations,the top surface 255 can be substantially 0.25 inches higher than the topsurface 245, or the first portion 250 of the second conveyor unit 210can be substantially 0.25 inches higher than the first conveyor unit205. A bar or runner can be disposed along the gap 305. For example, thebar can be substantially (e.g., +1-10%) 0.25 inches in height and widthat the beginning of the gap 305, (e.g., the foreground as in FIG. 3, orproximate to the shaft 240), and can taper off to be substantially levelor coplanar with the top surface 255 at the pivot point 270.

In some implementations, the produce 100 crosses over the gap 305. Forexample, all or substantially all of the first portion 105 of theproduce 100 can be disposed on the top surface 245 of the first conveyorunit 205, and at least some of the second portion 110 of the produce 100can be disposed on (e.g., resting on) or above the top surface 255 ofthe second conveyor unit 210, (e.g., the top surface of the firstportion 250 of the second conveyor unit 210). The portion of the produceover the gap 305 can include parts of the pod 115, the stem 120 or thecalyx 125 for example. In one implementation, during processing, (e.g.,a de-stemming operation performed by the de-stemming apparatus 200) theproduce 100 is aligned on the de-stemming apparatus 200 with at least75% of the first portion 105 on or above the top surface 245 of thefirst conveyor unit and with at least 10% of the second portion 110 onor above the second conveyor unit 210. The remaining portion of theproduce 100 can be disposed over the gap 305 in this example.

Conveyor belts of the first to fourth conveyor units 205 to 220 caninclude treads 320 on their outer surfaces. For example, the conveyorbelt of the first conveyor unit 205 can include treads 320 in the formof spaced apart parallel walls or ridges that protrude out, or upwards,from the conveyor belt to accommodate the produce 100. The treads 320can include various shapes or patterns, such as walls, tread patterns,wave patterns, or serpentine patterns. In one implementations, thetreads 320 of the first conveyor unit 205 or the third conveyor unit 215accommodate the first portion 105 (e.g., the pod 115) of the produce100, and the treads 320 of the second conveyor unit 210 or the fourthconveyor unit 220 accommodate the second portion (e.g., including thestem 120) of the produce 100.

In one implementation, the treads 320 of the first conveyor unit 205have a pattern that is different than the treads 320 of the secondconveyor unit 210, the third conveyor unit 215, and the fourth conveyorunit 220. For example, the treads 320 of the first conveyor unit 205 caninclude a series of parallel walls, where a recess between twosuccessive parallel walls accommodates a single item of produce 100,(e.g., a single pod 115 can be disposed between two consecutive walls).The treads 320 of the second conveyor unit 210, third conveyor unit 215,and fourth conveyor unit 220 can have different shapes, sizes orpatterns. In some implementations, the treads 320 of the first conveyorunit 205 are configured to interact with the treads 320 of the thirdconveyor unit 215. For example, the treads 320 of the first conveyorunit 205 can include protrusions, and the treads 320 of the thirdconveyor unit 215 can include depressions or recesses. The treads 320 ofthe respective conveyor units can align to secure at least a portion ofthe produce 100 in a fixed position during conveyance through thede-stemming apparatus 200. The treads 320 of the second conveyor unit210 and the fourth conveyor unit 220 can also align with each otherduring operation of the de-stemming apparatus 200.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a de-stemming apparatus 200 from afront longitudinal perspective where the produce 100 is fed into thede-stemming apparatus 200. In one implementation, the majority of thepod 115 is disposed on the top surface 245, for example betweenconsecutive treads 320, with the calyx 125 generally positioned over thegap 305, and with the stem 120 crossing the gap 305 over the secondconveyor unit 210, with at least a portion of the stem 120 on or overthe top surface 255 of the second conveyor unit 210. In oneimplementation, at least the first conveyor unit 205 and the secondconveyor unit 210 are in motion to convey the produce 100 toward thethird conveyor unit 215 and the fourth conveyor unit 220, which can alsobe in motion to engage the produce 100 when at least a portion of theproduce 100 is brought into contact with the third conveyor unit 215 orthe fourth conveyor unit 220.

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a de-stemming apparatus 200 where theproduce 100 is fed into the de-stemming apparatus 200. In oneimplementation, each of the first conveyor unit 205, the second conveyorunit 210, the third conveyor unit 215, and the fourth conveyor unit 220are in motion (e.g., under the control of at least one driving unit 235)at the same or substantially the same speed (e.g., +1-10%). The speedcan range from 0.1 to 10 feet per second, for example.

During operation of the de-stemming apparatus 200 the conveyor belt 605of the first conveyor unit 205 can carry the produce 100 with the pod115 disposed on the top surface 245. The third conveyor unit 215together with the first conveyor unit 205 can engage part of the produce100, such as the pod 115, and the fourth conveyor unit 220 can engage adifferent part of the produce 100, such as the stem 120. In this exampleand referring to FIGS. 1-6, among others, with the four conveyor unitsin motion, the first conveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit 215can hold at least a portion of the pod 115 (or other first portion 105)of an item of produce generally fixed in position (e.g., duringconveyance in the direction of motion 227). Continuing with thisexample, the second conveyor unit 210 and the fourth conveyor unit 220can hold at least a portion of the stem 120 (or other second portion110) of the same item of produce 100 generally fixed in position.

In this example, the different components (e.g., pod 115, stem 120) ofthe produce 100 can be held in a their positions during conveyancethrough at least part of the de-stemming apparatus 200 by the conveyorbelt 605 of the first conveyor unit 205, a conveyor belt 610 of thesecond conveyor unit 210, a conveying belt 615 of the third conveyorunit 215, and a conveying belt 620 of the fourth conveyor unit 220.

In one implementation, during engagement with the stem 120, the produce100 is traveling in a first trajectory, e.g., the direction of motion227. As motion continues, the produce 100 can pass the pivot point 270between the first portion 250 and the second portion 275 of the secondconveyor unit 210. When the produce 100 passes the pivot point 270, atleast a portion of the stem 120 (or other second portion 110 of theproduce 100) begins conveyance along a different second trajectory,e.g., the direction of motion 229. From the pivot point 270, the twotrajectories can diverge from each other by between zero and 90 degrees.In one implementation, this divergence is between 10 and 45 degrees. Aportion of the produce 100 can extend across the gap 305.

During continued conveyance through the de-stemming apparatus 200, theangular displacement between the trajectory of the portion of the pod115 held in place by the first conveyor unit 205 and the third conveyorunit 215 (e.g., travelling in direction 227) and the portion of the stem120 held in place by the second conveyor unit 210 and the fourthconveyor unit 220 (e.g., travelling in direction 229) generates aseparation force between the stem 120 and the pod 115. In someimplementations, the separation force peels at least some of the stem120 and the calyx 125 (or other part of a second portion 110 of theproduce 100) from the pod 115 (or other part of the first portion 105 ofthe produce 100).

With sufficient distance (e.g., between 0.5 and 24 inches) of continuedconveyance of the produce 100 in diverging directions, at least part ofthe second portion 110 separates from the remainder of the produce 100.The distance the produce 100 travels between a first point where it isheld in position (e.g., a point of initial engagement within the range225, along the length of the first portion 250 of the second conveyorunit 210, or at or proximate to the pivot point 270) and a second pointwhere separation is complete (e.g., within the range 230, along thelength of the second portion 275 of the second conveyor unit 210, ordownstream from the pivot point 270) varies with the angle, or degree ofdivergence, between the first and third conveyor units (travelling in afirst direction) and the second and fourth conveyor units (travelling ina second direction). The angle can vary between zero and 90 degrees. Insome implementations the separation occurs within 18 inches from thepivot point 270 where the pod 115 trajectory and the stem 120 trajectorybegin to diverge.

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a de-stemming apparatus 200 from arear perspective, for example where the produce 100 is expelled from thede-stemming apparatus 200. With reference to FIGS. 1-7, among others,the first conveyor unit 205 and the third conveyor unit 215 can conveythe first portion 105 of the produce 100 (e.g., the pod 115) in a firsttrajectory (e.g., the direction of motion 227), and the second portion275 of the second conveyor unit 210 and the fourth conveyor unit 220convey can convey the produce 100 in a second trajectory (e.g., thedirection of motion 229). Conveyance in these diverging paths cangenerate a separation force between at least a portion of the stem 120and the remainder of the produce 100. The separation force can separateor peel (e.g., in a peeling motion or manner) at least a portion of thestem 120 apart from the remainder of the produce 100. For example, thestem 120 and the calyx 125 can be separated from the pod 115.

In some implementations, the first portion 105 of the produce 100 can beexpelled from the de-stemming apparatus 200 due for example togravitational forces when the first portion 105 is conveyed by at leastthe first conveyor unit 205 beyond the end portion 705 of the firstconveyor unit 205. For example, the pod 115 can fall into a box or ontoanother conveyor unit for further processing, quality assessment,cleaning, packaging, or distribution. In some implementations, ratherthan falling from the end portion 705, the first conveyor unit ofanother conveyor unit or apparatus can continue to transport or carrythe first portion 105 for further processing, quality assessment,cleaning, packaging, or distribution. In one implementation, a workercan manually remove the first portion 105 from the de-stemming apparatus200 subsequent to separation of at least part of the second portion 110from the first portion 105.

The second portion 110 or portion thereof can be expelled from thede-stemming apparatus 200 due to conveyance beyond the edge 710 of thesecond conveyor unit 210. For example, at least a portion of the stem120 or the calyx 125 can fall into a box for onto another conveyor unit,or can continue to be conveyed by at least the conveyor unit 210 forfurther processing, recycling, or disposal.

FIG. 8 illustrates one example of the produce 100 subsequent toseparation of the second portion 110 from the first portion 105 by thede-stemming apparatus 200. In one implementation, the de-stemmingapparatus 200 separates at least part of the second portion 110 from theremainder of the produce 100. For example, all or part of the stem 120and the calyx 125 can be separated from the body or pod 115. In someimplementations, the pod 115 remains substantially intact afterseparation from the stem 120 or calyx 125. For example, due to thepeeling motion the pod 115 (or other first portion 105 of an item ofproduce 100) can be substantially free of punctures, tears,penetrations, or cut marks. In one implementation, the peeling motionthat occurs due to the separation force causes separation between thecalyx 125 and the pod 115. In some implementations, the separation forcecauses separation between at least part of the stem 115 and theremainder of the produce 100. In one implementation the produce 100 mayhave a minimal or no calyx 125, and the separation can occur between thestem 120 and the pod 115.

In some implementations, each of the first to fourth conveyor units205-220 (e.g., all four) can be in simultaneous motion. The conveyorunits 205-220 can be driven by the same or different driving units 235,and one driving unit 235 can drive one or more of conveyor units 235 atthe same speed (e.g., within +1-10%). In one implementation, one drivingunit 235 drives each of the four conveyor units 205-220. In someimplementations, the four conveyor units 205-220 are different parts ofone conveyor unit. For example, the de-stemming apparatus 200 can havemore or less than four conveyor belts or more or less than four conveyorunits. One conveyor belt can convey the produce 100 along more than oneconveyor unit. In one implementation, at least one of the conveyor units205-220 can be passive, e.g., not actively driven by the driving unit235. For example, the third conveyor unit 215 or the fourth conveyorunit 220 can include rollers or bearings that are not driven by any ofthe driving units 235 that can rotate or spin to allow at least aportion of the produce 100 to pass.

In some implementations, the produce 100 can be fed into the de-stemmingapparatus 200 at, or proximate to, the pivot point 270. In this example,the produce 100 enters the de-stemming apparatus 200 in a fixed orsubstantially fixed position with the produce engaged on multiple sides(e.g., on the bottom by the first conveyor unit 205 or the secondconveyor unit 210) and on the top (e.g., by the third conveyor unit 215or the fourth conveyor unit 220). In one implementation, the produce 100can be initially conveyed with only bottom support for the produce 100and with the produce 100 being in a loose or non-fixed position prior toengagement, proximate, or prior to the pivot point 270.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 can de-stem produce 100 in a low or highvolume environment. For example, the de-stemming apparatus 200 can bepart of a volume production plant in an assembly line type environmentwhere a high volume of produce 100 (e.g., between 500 and 2500 pounds ofproduce per hour) is de-stemmed by the de-stemming apparatus 200. Thede-stemming apparatus 200 can also be a portable or semi-portable unitthat can be set up outside a factory or mass production environment,such as outside in a field or farm sufficiently close to a crop so thata harvester (or harvesting machine) can pick the produce 100 and feedthe produce 100 to the de-stemming apparatus, e.g., by manually orautomatically placing the first portion 105 of the produce 100 on thetop surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205. The de-stemmingapparatus 200 can process multiple items of produce 100 simultaneously,with different items of produce 100 in different stages of thede-stemming process during sequential conveyance through the de-stemmingapparatus 200.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 ofprocessing produce, according to an illustrative implementation. Themethod 900 includes at least one act of conveying produce (ACT 905). Insome implementations the produce is conveyed (ACT 905) through ade-stemming apparatus from a first point to or through a second point.The method 900 can convey, for example using the de-stemming apparatus,produce having a first portion (e.g. a pod) and a second portion (e.g.,a stem) at a constant speed. During conveyance (ACT 905) between thefirst point and the second point, the first portion of the produce canbe fixed in a first trajectory. For example, at least part of the firstportion of the produce can be held in place by one or more conveyorunits. The second portion of the produce can be fixed in a secondtrajectory during conveyance (ACT 905) between the first and secondpoints. In some implementations, the second trajectory can deviate fromthe first trajectory by an angle of between greater than zero and lessthan 90 degrees. For example, the deviation can be greater than zero andless than 45 degrees, or less than 25 degrees. In one implementation,the produce can be conveyed (ACT 905) between the first and secondpoints at a constant speed (e.g., +1-10%). The first and secondtrajectories can be linear.

The method 900 can include at least one act of generating a separationforce (ACT 910). The separation force can be applied between the firstportion and second portions of the produce. For example, the separationforce can be applied to the stem or pod of the produce to separate atleast a portion of the stem from the remainder of the produce (e.g.,from the pod).

In one implementation, the method 900 generates the separation force(ACT 910) by conveying the pod in a first trajectory and by conveyingthe stem in a second trajectory that deviates from the first trajectory.For example, the pod (or other first portion of produce) can be conveyedin the first trajectory by at least a first conveyor unit, and the stem(or other second portion of produce) can be conveyed in the secondtrajectory by at least a second conveyor unit. At least one driving unitcan drive the first and second conveyor units at the same orsubstantially the same speed, (e.g., within 10%) during conveyance inthe different trajectories, such as between a first point (e.g., thepivot point) and a second point where there the separation is complete.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 can be part of a system or apparatus forprocessing produce that includes a produce alignment apparatus to alignthe produce 100 on the de-stemming apparatus 200. For example, FIG. 10and FIG. 15, among others, depict an example produce processing system(or apparatus) 1000. The processing system 1000 can include at least onesizing unit 1005, at least one receiving unit 1010, and at least onede-stemming apparatus 200.

The sizing unit 1005 can convey the produce 100 in a first direction,e.g., the direction of motion 1015. The sizing unit 1005 can besupported by at least one frame 1007. The sizing unit 1005 can align theproduce 100 vertically, along a longitudinal axis of the produce, andcan release or drop the produce 100 onto the receiving unit 1010. Thereceiving unit 1010 can convey the produce 100 in a second direction,e.g., the direction of motion 1020. The direction of motion 1020 can beperpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., +1-10%) from thedirection of motion 1015. The receiving unit 1010 can include at leastone produce receptacle 1025. The produce receptacle 1025 can have acavity or open space to catch or receive the produce 100 subsequent torelease of the produce 100 from the sizing unit 1005. For example, theproduce 100 can be positioned with the first portion 105 of the produce100 at least partially disposed in the cavity of the produce receptacle1025, and with the second portion 110 of the produce 100 at leastpartially protruding from the cavity of the produce receptacle 1025. Insome implementations, the receiving unit 1010 extends or passes throughat least one opening 1030 of the sizing unit 1005. The producereceptacle 1025 can be configured to receive the produce 100. Forexample, the produce receptacle 1025 can be oriented in a position withthe open cavity facing up, toward the top surface 1115 of the sizingunit 1005 when the produce receptacle 1025 passes through the opening1030 of the sizing unit 1005.

The produce receptacle 1025 can convey the produce 100 in the directionof motion 1020 to an end portion 1035 where rotation of the producereceptacle 1025 around the end portion 1035 causes the produce to expelor release the produce 100 from the cavity of the produce receptacle1025 onto the de-stemming apparatus 200. For example, at least part ofthe produce 100 can land on the first conveyor unit 205, e.g., directlyor via an intervening conveyor unit operating in the direction of motion1020. In some implementations, at least part of the first portion 105 ofthe produce 100 is expelled from the produce receptacle 1025 and arriveson the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 can convey the produce 100 in a thirddirection, e.g., the direction of motion 227, for example to separatethe first portion 105 of the produce 100 from the second portion 110 ofthe produce 100 via engagement with at least one additional conveyorunit such as the second conveyor unit 210, the third conveyor unit 215,or the fourth conveyor unit 220 of the de-stemming apparatus 200. Insome implementations, the de-stemming apparatus 200 includes at leastone alignment unit such as the alignment element 1040. The alignmentelement 1040 can include a structural component disposed over the topsurface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205, for example without touchingthe top surface 245. The produce 100 conveyed in the direction of motion227 can contact the alignment element 1040.

Continued conveyance of the top surface 245 in the direction of motion227 with the produce 100 on the top surface 245 and also at leastpartially contacting the alignment element 1040 can position the produce100 for engagement by at least one additional conveyor unit, such as thethird conveyor unit 215 or the fourth conveyor unit 220. The alignmentelement 1040 can be metal, plastic, or wood, for example, and can havevarious shapes, such as triangular or quadrilateral. The alignmentelement 1040 can also be or include at least one brush, sweepingmechanism, or blocker configured for contact with the produce 100 and toalign the produce 100 to receive a separation force.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 depict examples of portions of the sizing unit 1005of the produce processing system 1000. The sizing unit 1005 can includea plurality of rollers 1105 configured for conveyance in the directionof motion 1015, e.g., along a longitudinal axis 1120. The rollers 1105can be part of a conveying unit of the sizing unit 1005, including forexample the frame 1007 including beams, support structures, drivingunits or a control system configured to convey the rollers 1105 in agenerally rectangular path defining an opening 1030, or in otherelliptical, quadrilateral, square, or triangular paths. The rollers 1105can be arranged substantially in parallel (e.g., +/−10 degrees) witheach other, disposed longitudinally along the lateral axis 1110 of thesizing unit 1105, as in the example of FIG. 11. In some implementations,as the rollers 1105 are conveyed in the direction of motion 1015 alongthe top surface 1115 of the sizing unit 1005, the lateral distance 1120between consecutive rollers 1105 increases, for example, from less thanone inch to four inches. The lateral distances 1120 between the rollers1105 can vary both within and outside this one to four inch range, forexample to accommodate different sizes of the produce 100. The rollers1105 can be free-spinning elements that rotate about the lateral axis1110, or the rollers 1105 can be driven to rotate by one or more drivingunits or a sizing unit control system. The rollers 1105 can includeribbings, a ribbed sleeve, dimples, or a coarse sand-paper like surfacethat include abrasive material on the outer surface of the rollers 1105.These elements, for example, can grip or lightly secure (e.g., withoutpuncturing, tearing, or damaging) the produce 100 in position on thesizing unit 1005. The rollers 1105 can also be smooth.

The produce 100 can be placed on the top surface 1115 of the sizing unit1005, as in the example of FIG. 12, which depicts an example of aportion of the sizing unit 1005 conveying the produce 100 in thedirection of motion 1015, e.g., from the foreground to the backgroundfrom the perspective of FIG. 12. As the lateral distance 1120 betweenthe rollers 1105 increases as the rollers 1105 move in the direction ofmotion 1015, gravitational force and the shape of the produce 100 causethe produce 100 to fall between two consecutive rollers 1105. Forexample, the produce 100 may be disposed on the top surface 1115 in theinitial position 1205 where the produce 100 is lying across one or morerollers 1105 and the majority of the produce 100 is on or above the topsurface 1115.

As the lateral distance 1120 between rollers 1105 increases duringconveyance in the direction of motion 1015, gravity and the shape of theproduce 100 can cause the produce 100 to move into an intermediateposition, where portions (e.g., at least some of the first portion 105)begin to hang from, drop, or pass through the top surface 1115. In someimplementations, the produce 100 is eventually disposed in the alignedposition 1210. Various types of produce 100 will align themselves ingenerally repeatable positions given their generally uniform shapes andweight distributions. For example, the produce 100 may be a longitudinalpepper. In the aligned position 1210, the longitudinal pepper can begenerally disposed in a vertical (e.g., +1-10 degrees) position, along alongitudinal axis of the longitudinal pepper with the tip of the pod 115or the first portion 105 of the produce 100 pointing down, towards thereceiving unit 1010, and with the stem 120 or the second portion 110 ofthe produce 100 pointing up, away from the receiving unit 1010. For aperiod of time, the produce 100 can be held in the aligned position 1210between two rollers 1105, for example when the lateral distance 1120 issubstantially the same (e.g., +/−10%) as a lateral diameter of a portionof the produce 100. As the lateral distance 1120 expands duringconveyance in the direction of motion 1015, eventually the lateraldistance 1120 can become greater than a maximum lateral diameter of theproduce 100, and gravity or other forces can cause the produce 100 todrop between consecutive rollers 1105 with the produce 100 orientedgenerally in the aligned position 1210. Items of produce 100 having asmaller maximum lateral diameter can fall between consecutive rollers1105 before items of produce 100 having a larger maximum lateraldiameter.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of portions of the receiving unit 1010 andthe de-stemming apparatus 200 of the produce processing system 1000. Thereceiving unit 1010 can include a plurality of produce receptacles 1025.For example, the produce receptacle 1025 can be aligned in rows 1305,with varying numbers of the produce receptacles 1025 per row 1305. Therows 1305 can be aligned along the longitudinal axis 1120 of the sizingunit 1105, or along a lateral axis 1310 of the receiving unit 1010. Therows 1305 can be substantially parallel (e.g., +/−10%) with each other.In some implementations, rather than rows 1305, the produce receptacles1025 can be in disposed in other configurations or patterns on thereceiving unit 1010. In some examples, at least one row 1305 includesexactly one produce receptacle 1025, with a cavity configured to receivemore than one item of produce 100. The produce receptacles 1025 can becircular, curved, or closed on all (e.g., four) lateral sides. In someimplementations, the produce receptacles 1025 are closed on threelateral sides and open on a fourth lateral side. Rather than lateralrows 1305, a single produce receptacle 1025 can extend along alongitudinal axis of the receiving unit 1010 in the form of a trough orlongitudinal cavity extending in the direction of motion 1020.

The produce receptacles 1025 can be positioned proximate one anotheralong each row 1305 and between adjacent rows so that the produce 100released from the sizing unit 1005 will land in a cavity of one of theproduce receptacles 1025, rather than landing on the receiving unit 1010between produce receptacles 1025. For example, the produce receptacles1025 can touch or be proximate to (e.g., within one inch of) at leastone other produce receptacle 1025 in the same row 1305 or in an adjacentrow 1305. In one implementation, each produce receptacle 1025 isconfigured to receive one item of produce 100, e.g., one pepper.

The produce receptacles 1025, or their cavities can have a uniform size,e.g., having a maximum width or diameter of less than four inches,between two inches and four inches, or the other sizes. For example, afirst produce receptacle 1025 in a row 1305 can be disposed on thereceiving unit 1010 so that it passes through the opening 1030 of thesizing unit 1005 beneath rollers 1105 that have a smaller lateraldistance 1120, relative to a second produce receptacle 1025 in the samerow 1305. In this example, the second produce receptacle 1025 in the row1305 can be configured to receive produce 100 having a larger maximumwidth or diameter than the first produce receptacle in the row 1305. Thesecond produce receptacle 1025 can be positioned so that it passesbeneath the top surface 1115 of the sizing unit 1005 at a location wherethe lateral distance 1120 is greater than the lateral distance 1120above the first produce receptacle 1025 in the row 1305.

The produce 100 can be conveyed in the direction of motion 1020 in thealigned position 1210 in cavities of the produce receptacles 1025subsequent to the produce 100 dropping from the sizing unit 1005 intothe produce receptacles 1025 in the aligned position 1210. When theproduce receptacle 1025 reaches the end portion 1035, conveyance of theproduce receptacle 1025 around the end portion 1035 can expel theproduce 100 from the produce receptacle 1025. The produce 100 can landon the first conveyor unit 205, for example with the first portion 105of the produce 100 on the first conveyor unit 205 proximate to the endportion 1035. In this example, the second conveyor unit 210 can bedisposed distal to the end portion 1035, relative to the first conveyorunit 205, with the first conveyor unit 205 between receiving unit 1010and the second conveyor unit 210.

In some implementations, rather than expelling the produce directly fromthe produce receptacle 1025 onto the de-stemming apparatus 200, theproduce processing system 1000 includes a supplemental conveyor unitdisposed between the end portion 1035 of the receiving unit 1010 and thefirst conveyor unit 205 of the de-stemming apparatus 200. Thesupplemental conveyor unit can convey the produce 100 in the directionof motion 1020 and deposit the produce 100 at least partially on thefirst conveyor unit 205. The first conveyor unit 205 can receive atleast the first portion 105 of the produce 100 from the producereceptacle 1025 or from the supplemental conveyor unit disposed betweenthe receiving unit 1010 and the first conveyor unit 205. Thesupplemental conveyor unit can be a stand-alone unit or an extension ofthe receiving unit 1010 or the de-stemming apparatus 200. Thesupplemental conveyor unit can have various lengths, e.g., one foot, twofeet, or less than five feet measured along the direction of motion1020, and can have a width substantially the same (e.g., +1-10%) as awidth of the receiving unit 1010. In one implementation, thesupplemental conveyor unit moves faster than at least one of thereceiving unit 1010 and the first conveyor unit 205.

The components of the produce processing system 1000 can be stand-alonedevices or integral parts of the produce processing system. For example,the sizing unit 1005, the receiving unit 1010, and the de-stemmingapparatus 200 can be separate individual devices, or can be anintegrated part of the produce processing system 1000. The variousconveyor units and elements of the sizing unit 1005, the receiving unit1010, and the de-stemming apparatus 200 can be driven by one or moredrive units (e.g., motors) such as one or more driving units 235. In oneimplementation, all conveyor units can be in motion simultaneously atsubstantially the same speed (e.g., +/−10%) under the control of one ormore drive units.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method 1400 of processing the produce 100.The method 1400 can include conveying the produce 100 in a firstdirection (ACT 1405). For example, the sizing unit 1005 can convey theproduce 100 in the direction of motion 1015. The method 1400 can alsoinclude releasing the produce (ACT 1410). For example, the sizing unit1005 can release the produce 100 in a vertical position (e.g., thealigned position 1210) during conveyance of the produce 100 in thedirection of motion 1015.

The method 1400 can also include receiving the produce 100 in theproduce receptacle 1025 (ACT 1415). For example, the produce 100 canland in the produce receptacle 1025 during conveyance of the producereceptacle in the direction of motion 1020 with the produce receptacle1025 oriented in a first position, e.g., with a cavity of the producereceptacle facing up, toward the top surface 1115 of the sizing unit1005 when the produce receptacle 1025 passes through the opening 1030 ofthe sizing unit 1005. The method 1400 can include tipping the producereceptacle 1035 from a first position to a second position (ACT 1420).For example, the produce receptacle can tip or change orientationsduring conveyance around the end portion 1035 of the receiving unit1010. This can expel the produce 100 onto at least one additionalconveyor unit, such as the conveyor unit 205 or the supplementalconveyor unit between the receiving unit 1010 and the de-stemmingapparatus 200.

The method 1400 can include aligning the produce 100 for engagement withat least one additional conveyor unit (ACT 1425), such as any of thefirst conveyor unit 205, the second conveyor unit 210, the thirdconveyor unit 215, the fourth conveyor unit 220, or a supplementalconveyor unit between the produce receptacle 1025 and the first conveyorunit 205. In one implementation, once disposed on the de-stemmingapparatus 200, the alignment element 1040 aligns the produce forengagement with at least one conveyor unit.

The method 1400 can also include generating a separation force on theproduce 100 (ACT 1430). For example, the method 1400 can align toproduce on the de-stemming apparatus 200, or convey the produce 100toward the de-stemming apparatus 200, to generate a separation force dueto conveyance of the produce 100 in at least one of the direction ofmotion 227 and the direction of motion 229.

FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20, among others,depict examples of portions of the produce processing system 1000, e.g.,portions of an apparatus for processing produce. With reference to FIGS.1-21, the receiving unit 1010 can convey the produce 100, e.g., thedirection of motion 1020 or generally from the background to theforeground in the perspective of FIG. 15, among others. At least onedriving unit 235 can drive the receiving unit 1010 to convey theproduce. The same or a different driving unit 235 can drive othercomponents of the produce processing system 1000 such as at least one ofconveyor units 205, 210, 215, or 220, or the alignment element 1040.

The produce processing system 1000 can include at least one supplementalconveyor unit 1505 to guide the produce 100 (or individual itemsthereof) from the receiving unit 1010 onto at least one component of thede-stemming apparatus 200, such as the first conveyor unit 205 or thesecond conveyor unit 210. For example, the supplemental conveyor unit1505 can deposit the produce 100 at least partially on the firstconveyor unit 205 by providing at least one channel 1510 or path for theproduce 100 to follow upon conveyance in the direction of motion 1020past the end portion 1035 of the receiving unit 1010 toward the firstconveyor unit 205 or the second conveyor unit 210.

The supplemental conveyor unit 1505 can include a frame or supportstructure 1515 to fix the supplemental conveyor unit in position. Forexample, the frame 1515 can secure at least part of the supplementalconveyor unit 1505 above the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit205. The frame 1515 can also secure at least part of the receiving unitin position, and can secure at least one driving unit 235 in position,for example to drive the receiving unit 1010. In some implementations,the frame 1515 secures both the supplemental conveyor unit 1505 and thereceiving unit 1010 in position. The frame 1515 can be separate from orpart of a larger frame assembly to secure other parts of the overallsystem or apparatus, such as the de-stemming apparatus 200 or the sizingunit 1005. The frame 1515 can be part of the mounting structure 280 orcan be a separate component from the mounting structure 280.

The supplemental conveyor unit 1505 can include at least one channelwall 1520. Two channel walls 1520 (e.g., successive, parallel,converging, or adjacent to each other) can define one channel 1510between them. The channel walls 1520 can be spaced apart from oneanother by between one inch and ten inches. Two channel walls 1520 canbe substantially parallel (e.g., within +/−10 degrees) of one another,or can converge toward each other, e.g., in the direction of motion1020. The supplemental conveyor unit 1505 can define one channel 1510 ormultiple (e.g., between two and several dozen) channels 1510. Thechannels 1510 can be defined to extend at least in part between the endportion 1035 of the receiving unit 1010 and the top surface 245 of thefirst conveyor unit 205. The channels 1510 can also be defined by thechannel walls 1520 at least in part above a top surface 1525 of thereceiving unit 1010. For example, at least one channel 1510 can extendproximate to at least a portion of the top surface 1525 of the receivingunit 1010. The channels 1510 can be aligned at least in part in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the openings 1030of the sizing unit 1005.

In some implementations, the channel walls 1520 do not contact the topsurface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205, or also do not contact thetop surface 1525 of the receiving unit 1010. For example, duringoperation, the top surface 1525 of the receiving unit can be in motionin the direction of motion 1020, and the top surface 245 of the firstconveyor unit 205 can be in motion in the direction of motion 227. Thesupplemental conveyor unit 1505 or components thereof such as thechannel walls 1520 can be static or fixed components, (e.g., not movingor not being driven by the driving units 235.) There can be a gap orspace between the static supplemental conveyor unit 1505 (or componentsthereof) and the moving first conveyor unit 205 or the moving receivingunit 1010 to avoid contact interference during operation. Thesupplemental conveyor unit 1505 can be a fixed static unit that is notin motion during operation of other components of the apparatus forprocessing items of the produce 100.

The channels 1510 can be parallel with one another, and the supplementalconveyor unit 1505 can define any number of channels 1510, e.g., fromone channel 1510 to dozens of channels 1510 or more. The channels 1510can receive the produce 100 from the receiving unit 1010, and can guidethe produce 100 from the receiving unit 1010 to components of thede-stemming apparatus 200 such as the first conveyor unit 205 or thesecond conveyor unit 210, where the produce 100 can be deposited, e.g.,on the top surface 245 or the top surface 255. The first conveyor unit205 or the second conveyor unit 210 can convey the produce 100 (e.g., inthe direction of motion 227) toward at least on additional conveyor unit(e.g., the third conveyor unit 215 or the fourth conveyor unit 220),which can engage at least part of the produce 100 and subject theproduce 100 to a separation force that can separate the first portion105 of the produce 100 from the second portion 110 during conveyancethrough the de-stemming apparatus 200.

Referring to FIG. 16, among others, the channel walls 1520 can includeat least one tab portion 1605 and at least on extension portion 1610.The tab portion 1605 and the extension portion 1610 can be integralparts of a single continuous channel wall 1520, or can be separatecomponents of the channel wall 1620 that are hinged, connected,fastened, or otherwise secured to one another. The tab portions 1605 canbe disposed after, downstream from in direction of motion 1020, orproximate to the end portion 1035 of the receiving unit 1010. The tabportions 1605 of two adjacent, successive, parallel, or proximatechannel walls 1520 can define at least a portion of the channel 1510,such as the portion of the channel 1510 between the end portion 1035 ofthe receiving unit 1010 and the top surface 245 of the first conveyorunit 205 or the top surface 255 of the second conveyor unit 210. Thisportion of the channel 1510 can position the produce 100 (e.g., receivedfrom the sizing unit 1005) on the top surface 1525 of the receiving unit1010 and can guide the produce 100 within the channel 1510 in thedirection of motion 1020. This portion of the channel 1510 can be equalto, greater than, or less than a length (e.g., in the direction ofmotion 1020) of the receiving unit 1010. The width of this portion ofthe channel 1510 can be between 1 and 10 inches. The tab portions 1605can be spaced apart or separated from the end portion 1035 (e.g., from0.25 to 5.0 inches) so that the tab portions 1605 do not contact thereceiving unit 1010 during operation of the receiving unit 1010 in thedirection of motion 1020.

The extension portions 1610 can be disposed above the top surface 1525of the receiving unit 1010, and can be spaced apart or separated fromthe top surface 1525 (e.g., from 0.25 to 5.0 inches) so that theextension portions 1610 do not contact the receiving unit 1010 duringoperation of the receiving unit in the direction of motion 1020. Theextension portions 1610 of two adjacent, successive, parallel, orproximate channel walls 1520 can define at least a portion of thechannel 1510, such as the portion of the channel 1510 proximate to(e.g., above) the top portion 1525 of the receiving unit 1010 (e.g.,between the top portion 1525 of the receiving unit and the sizing unit1005).

The height 1615 (e.g., the vertical or drop distance in direction ofmotion 1705 between the end portion of the portion of the channel 1510defined by the tab portions 1605) can vary. For example, the tabportions 1605 can extend substantially (e.g., within 10%) the verticalor drop distance 1615 between the end portion 1035 of the receiving unit1010 and the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205. The tabportions 1605 can also extend through a smaller portion of this height1615 (e.g., vertical or drop distance), such as less than 50% of thisdistance, or less than 25% of this distance. The height 1615 between thetop surface 1525 and the top surface 245 can be at least five inches,measured from the end portion 1035 to the top surface 245. The height1615 (e.g., a height of the channel 1510 between the tab portions 1605)can be at least twice the length of the produce 100. For example, toprocess a pepper having a length of 3 inches, the height 1615, or thedistance that the pepper falls in the direction of motion 1705 from thereceiving unit 1010 to the de-stemming apparatus 200 can be at least sixinches. In some implementations, the height 1615 is two to three timesthe length of the produce 100.

The channel 1510 can guide the produce through the channel 1510 fromrelease by the sizing unit 205 along the receiving unit 1010 in thedirection of motion 1020 to at least one additional conveyor unit (e.g.,of the de-stemming apparatus 200). For example, when the item of produce100 is a pepper, the channel 1510 can guide the pepper in a tip firstorientation along the receiving unit 1010, e.g., between two extensionportions 1610. Upon conveyance past the end portion 1035 of thereceiving unit 1010, the channel 1510 can guide the pepper or other itemof produce 100 as the produce 100 falls, within the channel 1510 (e.g.,between two tab portions 1605 in the direction of motion 1705), from thereceiving unit 1010 onto a component of the de-stemming apparatus 200,such as the top surface 245 of the first conveyor unit 205. During thisfree-fall of the produce 100, e.g., through a portion of the channel1510 between two tab portions 1605 in the direction of motion 1705(e.g., height 1615), the produce 100 can flip 180 degrees. For example,a pepper 100 having a tip first orientation in the direction of motion1020 in the channel 1510, e.g., between adjacent extension portions 1610as in the example of FIG. 19 can flip 180 degrees when falling throughthe channel 1510, e.g., between the tab portions 1605, so that the tipof the pepper 100 points in the opposite direction when landing on thetop surface 245 or the top surface 255, relative to the direction thetip was pointing during conveyance on the receiving unit 1010, as in theexample of FIG. 20.

In some implementations, the produce can flip during this free fall inthe absence of the tab portions 1605. In one implementation, a roller orseparate conveyor unit can be disposed proximate to the end portion1035. This roller can spin or move in the direction of motion 1020 at aspeed faster than a conveying speed of the top surface 1525. This canaccelerate the produce 100 when it passes the end portion 1035,facilitating the flip of the produce 100 during its fall through theheight 1615.

The tab portions 1605 need not cover the entire width of the firstconveyor unit 205 or the second conveyor unit 210. For example, the tabportions 1605 can extend past the end portion 1035 of the receiving unit101 a distance that is less than the combined width of the firstconveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit 210, or a distance thatis less than the width of the first conveyor unit 205. The extensionportions 1610 can have a length greater than, equal to, or less than alength of the receiving unit 1010, e.g., from a few inches to severaldozen feet or more.

The channel walls 1520 may but need not include both the tab portion1605 and the extension portion 1610. For example, the tab portions 1605or the extension portions 1610 can be absent from the channel walls1520. The receiving unit 1010 can include at least one trough. Forexample, the produce receptacle 1025 can be formed as a longitudinaltrough that can receive multiple items of the produce 100, rather thanan individual produce item receptacle. The trough can be a longitudinaltrough along the direction of motion 1020 that includes a groove,conduit, depression, curved, or concave feature in the top surface 1525of the receiving unit 1010 that receives the produce 100, e.g., from thesizing unit 1005. The trough can be aligned with at least a portion ofthe channel 1510 to receive or guide the produce 100, or can be asubstitute for the portion of the channel 1510 that would otherwise bedisposed above the receiving unit 1010. The receiving unit 1010 candefine a plurality of troughs. Each trough can be aligned with at leasta portion of one of the channels 1510 along a longitudinal axis of thereceiving unit 1010, e.g., in the direction of motion 1020. The troughcan include at least one retaining wall defining at least part of aspace where the produce 100 can be disposed. For example, the retainingwalls can be ridges or elevated portions of the top surface 1525 thatcomplement or replace the extension portions 1610 to receive the produce100, e.g., between successive or adjacent retaining walls. In someimplementations, the extension portions 1610 can be separated from thetop surface 1525 of the receiving unit, whereas the retaining walls canbe an integral part of the top surface 1525. Both the extension portions1610 and the retaining walls 1610 can operate to guide the produce 100in the direction of motion 1020.

In some implementations, at least one channel 1510 guides the produce100 to directly enter the de-stemming apparatus 200 at the pivot point270 with the produce positioned for separation, reducing the length ofor eliminating the first conveyor unit 205 and the second conveyor unit210. For example, the portion of the channel 1510 between the tabportions 1605 can be shaped to position the produce 100 at the entrancearea (e.g., within 2 feet of, or within 1 foot of) the pivot point 270.This portion of the channel 1510 may also include a ramp or blockingelement to position the produce 100.

The receiving unit 1010 can receive the produce 100 from the sizing unit1005. For example, the sizing unit 1005 can convey the produce 100 inthe direction of motion 1015 at a first speed (e.g., between 0.1 and 4.0feet per second) where the produce 100 eventually drops betweensuccessive rollers 1105 through the opening 1030 onto the top surface1525 of the receiving unit 1010. The top surface 1525 (e.g., a conveyorbelt) of the receiving unit 1010 can convey the received produce 100 ata second speed (e.g., between 0.1 and 4.0 feet per second) in thedirection of motion 1020. The second speed can be greater than the firstspeed. For example, the sizing unit 1005 can operate to drop the produce100 (e.g., a pepper) in a tip first orientation onto the receiving unit1010. When the receiving unit 1010 operates at a greater speed than thesizing unit 1005, the top surface 1525 of the receiving unit 1010 cancontact the tip of the produce and direct the tip in the direction ofmotion 1020, so that the produce 100 falls onto the top surface 1525 ina tip first orientation aligned in the direction of motion 1020, as inthe example of FIG. 19.

The alignment element 1040 can include at least one brush 1805 and atleast one driving unit 235. Any driving unit 235 can drive or rotate thebrush 1805 through mechanical coupling (e.g., in the direction 1810 fromthe foreground into the background in the example of FIG. 18) to guideor position the produce 100 into position for the application of aseparation force by at least one of the conveyor units of thede-stemming apparatus 200. The alignment element 1040 can be disposedabove (e.g., proximate to) the top surface 245 of the first conveyorunit 205, as in the example of FIG. 18, among others. The alignmentelement 1040 can include at least one blocker element 1815 such as aplate to position the produce 100.

During conveyance of the produce 100 in the direction of motion 227 thebrush 1805 (or other alignment element) can move the produce 100, forexample to position part or a majority of the first portion 105 of theproduce 100 (e.g., the pod) on the first conveyor unit 205 or toposition at least a part of the second portion 110 of the produce 100(e.g., the stem) on or over the second conveyor unit 210. The alignmentelement 1040 can include a frame or structural element 1820. At leastpart of the frame 1820 can contact the produce 100 to properly positionthe produce 100. In one implementation, in addition to or instead of thebrush 1805, the alignment element can include walls or bars that can bedriven by at least one driving unit 35 to sweep forward (e.g., into theforeground from the example perspective of FIG. 15, among others,perpendicular to the direction of motion 227) to push the produce 100into a position for de-stemming or other separation.

The alignment element can be disposed above the first conveyor unit 205or the second conveyor unit 210 downstream, in the direction of motion227, from the supplemental conveyor unit 1505, e.g., between thesupplemental conveyor unit 1505 and the third conveyor unit 215 or thefourth conveyor unit 220. The alignment element 1040 can includestationary rollers (e.g., free standing or driven by at least onedriving unit 235) to hold the produce down at least in part on the topsurface 245 while the produce 100 is pushed from the tip end toward aproper location, e.g., for stem or calyx separation. The brushes 1805can be driven to move the produce 100 by applying a force to the produce100 tangential to the direction of motion 227. The axes of the brushes1805 (or rollers that may be used instead of the brushes 1805) can beparallel (e.g., +/−10%) to the direction of motion 227.

In addition or as an alternative to the brush 1805, the alignmentelement 1040 can include at least one roller, free standing or driven byat least one driving unit 235. For example, the rollers can be orientedin the same position as the brush, e.g., perpendicular to the directionof motion 227. The produce 100 can contact the rollers (or the brush1805) to be moved or guided into position for separation of the firstportion 105 of the produce 100 from the second portion 110.

FIG. 21 depicts a method 2100 of processing the produce 100. The method2100 can receive at least one item of produce (ACT 2105). For example,during operation of a produce processing apparatus, the receiving unit1010 can receive the produce 100 (ACT 2105) from the sizing unit 1005,or from another input such as a funnel, conveyor, ramp, or human workermanually placing the produce 100 on the top surface 1525 of thereceiving unit 1010. The method 2100 can include conveying the produce100 (ACT 2110). For example, the receiving unit 1010 can convey at leastone item of produce 100 in the direction of motion 1020 (ACT 2110) onthe top surface 1525 of the receiving unit 1010.

The method 2100 can include receiving the item of produce 100 (ACT2115). For example at least one item of the produce 100 can be received(ACT 2115) within at least one channel 1510 defined by at least twochannel walls 1520. The method 2100 can include depositing the produce100 (ACT 2120). For example, via the channel 1510 at least one item ofthe produce 100 can be deposited onto the first conveyor unit 205, whichcan convey the produce 100 in a direction (ACT 2120) different than thedirection of conveyance by the receiving unit 1010. The conveyance ofthe deposited item of produce 100 can bring the produce 100 into contactwith one or more conveyor units of the de-stemming apparatus 200 togenerate a separation force that separates the first portion 105 of theproduce 100 from the second portion 110 of the produce 100.

With reference to FIGS. 1-21, in some implementations the produceprocessing system 1000 (e.g., an apparatus) can include at least someelements of the sizing unit 1005, the receiving unit 1010, and thede-stemming apparatus 200. The sizing unit 1005 can include at least tworollers 1105 that can convey the produce 100 in the direction of motion1015. The sizing unit 1005 can release the produce in the alignedposition 1210 (e.g., vertically or within +1-10% of vertical) along alongitudinal axis of the produce 100 from the lateral distance 1120between the two rollers 1105, during conveyance of the produce 100 inthe direction of motion 1015. Some or all components of FIGS. 1-21 canbe included as part of an apparatus for processing produce.

The receiving unit 1010 can receive the produce 100 in a cavity of theproduce receptacle 1025, for example when the produce receptacle 1025 isconveyed in the direction of motion 1020, which can be substantially(e.g., +1-10%) perpendicular to the direction of motion 1015. The firstconveyor unit 205 can receive the produce from the produce receptacle1025 either directly or via an intervening supplemental conveyor unit.The first conveyor unit 205 can convey the produce in the direction ofmotion 227 to engage the produce with at least one additional conveyorunit (e.g., the second conveyor unit 210, the third conveyor unit 215,or the fourth conveyor unit 220) to generate a separation force on theproduce 100 that can at least partially separate the first portion 105of the produce (e.g., the pod 115) from the second portion 110 of theproduce (e.g., the step 120 or the calyx 125). In some implementations,the direction of motion 227 can be substantially parallel (e.g., +/−10degrees) with the direction of motion 1015, or substantiallyperpendicular (e.g., +/−10 degrees) with the direction of motion 220.

The de-stemming apparatus 200 of the produce processing system 1000 neednot be substantially horizontal as depicted in FIG. 2, FIG. 10, and FIG.15, among others. For example, the de-stemming apparatus 200 can bearranged vertically, with the produce 100 driven at least in part bygravitational force into engagement with at least one conveyor unit thatgenerates all or part of the separation force. In a vertical or othernon-horizontal configuration, (e.g., 30, 45, or 60 degrees fromhorizontal with reference to the top surface 245 or the top surface 255)the conveyor units 205, 210, 215, 220 can have varying lengths andwidths, for example to accommodate space restrictions such as the heightof the de-stemming apparatus 200 from the ground.

The operations described in this specification can be implemented asoperations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored onone or more computer-readable storage devices or received from othersources. For example, the driving unit 235 or any other driving unit caninclude or be controlled by control circuitry (e.g., at least oneprocessor or application specific integrated circuit) that operates thedriving unit to move at least one of the first to fourth conveyor units205 to 220 or any other conveyor unit. At least one local computingdevice electrically connected (wired or wirelessly) with at least one ofthe driving units 235 or a remote computing device connected via theinternet, local, wide, or other area network to at least one of thedriving units 235 can control operation of the driving units 235 and thecomponents directly or indirectly driven by the driving units 235.

Features that are described herein in the context of separateimplementations can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment or implementation. Features that are described in the contextof a single implementation can also be implemented in multipleimplementations separately or in various sub-combinations. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

Similarly, acts depicted in the drawings or described do not requireperformance in the particular order shown or in sequential order, andall illustrated or described acts need not be performed. Actions recitedin the claims can be performed in a different order. Any method orprocesses depicted in the figures need not require the particular ordershown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparentthat the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having beenpresented by way of example. In particular, although many of theexamples presented herein involve specific combinations of method actsor system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined inother ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements andfeatures discussed in connection with one implementation are notintended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations orimplementations.

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving”“characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereofherein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalentsthereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementationsconsisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In oneimplementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one,each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements,acts, or components.

Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems andmethods herein referred to in the singular may also embraceimplementations including a plurality of these elements, and anyreferences in plural to any implementation or element or act herein mayalso embrace implementations including only a single element. Referencesin the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presentlydisclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements tosingle or plural configurations. References to any act or element beingbased on any information, act or element may include implementationswhere the act or element is based at least in part on any information,act, or element.

Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any otherimplementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,”“some implementation,” “an alternate implementation,” “variousimplementation,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarilymutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theimplementation may be included in at least one implementation orembodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referringto the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with anyother implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any mannerconsistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any termsdescribed using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, andall of the described terms.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or anyclaim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have beenincluded for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of thedrawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither thereference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scopeof any claim elements.

The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Forexample, specific references to a pod can include generic references toany first or generally edible portions of produce, and specificreferences to any stem or calyx include generic references to any secondor generally uneaten portions of produce. Generic references to a firstportion of produce include references to generally edible portions suchas a pod or body, and generic references to a second portion of produceinclude references to generally uneaten portions such as a stem orcalyx. Further, while not labeled in every Figure for clarity and easeof description, elements present and labeled in one Figure may bepresent and unlabeled in other Figures. For example, at least some ofthe conveyor belts 605, 610, 615, 620 labeled in FIG. 6 are present inother Figures, e.g., FIG. 2-7, 10, or 13. Further, while referred to asa de-stemming apparatus, the de-stemming apparatus 200 can removeportions of items of produce other than stems, such as leaves, branches,or other support structures or appendages of an item of produce.

The foregoing implementations are illustrative rather than limiting ofthe described systems and methods. For example, at least some of thedirections of motion need not be substantially parallel or perpendicularrelative to each other as discussed herein. For example, the directionof motion 1020 need not be substantially perpendicular to the directionof motion 1015 or the direction of motion 227, and the direction ofmotion 1015 need not be substantially parallel to the direction ofmotion 227. These directions of motions can convey the produce 100 inany direction between zero and 180 degrees relative to any otheridentified direction of motion. Further relative parallel,perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptionsinclude variations within +1-10% or +1-10 degrees of pure vertical,parallel or perpendicular positioning. Scope of the systems and methodsdescribed herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather thanthe foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for processing produce, comprising:a receiving unit configured to receive an item of produce and to conveythe item of produce; a supplemental conveyor unit having a first channelwall and a second channel wall defining a channel between an end portionof the receiving unit and a top surface of a first conveyor unit, thechannel configured to receive the item of produce from the receivingunit and to deposit at least part of the item of produce on the topsurface of the first conveyor unit; the first conveyor unit configuredto convey the item of produce toward at least one additional conveyorunit; and the first conveyor unit and the at least one additionalconveyor unit configured to apply at least part of a separation force tothe item of produce to separate a first portion of the item of producefrom a second portion of the item of produce.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, comprising: the first channel wall including a first tab portion anda first extension portion; the second channel wall including a secondtab portion and a second extension portion; the first tab portion andthe second tab portion defining the channel between the end portion ofthe receiving unit and the top surface of the first conveyor unit; andthe first extension portion and the second extension portion definingthe channel proximate to a top surface of the receiving unit.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the supplemental conveyor unit is a staticunit that is not in motion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: thesupplemental conveyor unit defining a plurality of channels.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of channels extendsproximate to at least a portion of a top surface of the receiving unit.6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of channelsextends between the end portion of the receiving unit and the topsurface of the first conveyor unit.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,comprising: a sizing unit configured to convey the item of produce in afirst direction; and the receiving unit configured to receive the itemof produce from the sizing unit in the channel and to convey the item ofproduce in a second direction.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:a sizing unit; and the receiving unit configured to receive the item ofproduce from the sizing unit, wherein the sizing unit operates at afirst speed and the receiving unit operates at a second speed, whereinthe second speed is greater than the first speed.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising: a sizing unit; and the receiving unit that inoperation receives the item of produce from the sizing unit in a tipfirst orientation.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: thereceiving unit including a trough, the trough aligned with at least aportion of the channel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thechannel is a first channel, comprising: the supplemental conveyor unitdefining a plurality of channels including the first channel; and thereceiving unit defining a plurality of troughs.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, comprising: each of the plurality of troughs aligned with atleast a portion of a respective one of the plurality of channels along alongitudinal axis of the receiving unit.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,comprising: the receiving unit having a trough, the trough having afirst retaining wall and a second retaining wall, the trough configuredto receive the item of produce between the first retaining wall and thesecond retaining wall; and the channel aligned with the trough.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising: the channel configured to position theitem of produce on a top surface the receiving unit.
 15. The apparatusof claim 1, comprising: the channel configured to guide the item ofproduce from the receiving unit to the at least one additional conveyorunit.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a height of the channelbetween a top surface of the receiving unit and the top surface of thefirst conveyor unit is at least five inches, measured proximate the endportion of the receiving unit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein aheight of the channel between the end portion of the receiving unit andthe top surface of the first conveyor unit is at least twice a length ofthe item of produce.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: analignment element including at least one brush; and a driving unitconfigured to drive the at least one brush to position at least part ofthe item of produce on the top surface of the first conveyor unit.
 19. Asystem of processing produce, comprising: a receiving unit configured toreceive an item of produce and conveys the item of produce; asupplemental conveyor unit configured with a first channel wall and asecond channel wall defining a channel between an end portion of thereceiving unit and a top surface of a first conveyor unit, the channelconfigured to receive the item of produce from the receiving unit and todeposit at least part of the item of produce on the top surface of thefirst conveyor unit; the first conveyor unit configured to convey theitem of produce toward at least one additional conveyor unit; and thefirst conveyor unit and the at least one additional conveyor unitconfigured to apply at least part of a separation force to the item ofproduce to separate a first portion of the item of produce from a secondportion of the item of produce.
 20. A method of processing produce,comprising: receiving an item of produce by a receiving unit; conveyingthe item of produce in a first direction on a top surface of thereceiving unit; receiving the item of produce in a channel defined by afirst channel wall of a supplemental conveyor unit and a second channelwall of the supplemental conveyor unit; depositing, via the channel, theitem of produce onto a first conveyor unit that conveys the item ofproduce in a second direction to separate a first portion of the item ofproduce from a second portion of the item of produce by generating aseparation force between the first portion of the item of produce andthe second portion of the item of produce.